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The Discipleship Path is a roadmap for deepening your relationship with Christ.
WEEK 6: Tithe — October 25-31
As we come to the final step of our C.H.R.I.S.T. Discipleship Path, we explore T — Tithe. Throughout this journey, we have been invited to grow closer to Jesus through holiness, community, retreat, investing ourselves, and sharing our gifts with others. Tithing is a tangible way we respond to God’s generosity by giving financially to support the mission of the Church and care for those in need. When we tithe, we acknowledge that all we have ultimately comes from God and place our trust in Him by giving a portion of our financial resources back to His work. Tithing is not simply an obligation—it is an opportunity to grow in gratitude, generosity, trust, and faithful discipleship. It is a joy to be able to give back to God from all He has given us.
Throughout this journey, we have explored six interconnected steps to become better discples:
- C — Community: We grow in faith through relationships and journey together.
- H — Holiness: We allow God's grace to shape us into the likeness of Christ.
- R — Retreat: We make space for prayer, renewal, and listening to God.
- I — Invest: We give our time, energy, and gifts to God's Kingdom.
- S — Share: We witness to Christ and help others encounter His love.
- T — Tithe: We give financially to support the Church's mission and care for those in need.
These practices are not separate tasks to complete, but interconnected ways of living as disciples. We build community, grow in holiness, make space for God, invest our gifts, share our faith, and give financially to support the work He has entrusted to us.
Tithing is one way we put our faith into action. It reminds us that our relationship with God includes not only our prayers and service, but also how we manage and share our financial resources.
As we conclude this journey, may we recognize that discipleship is a lifelong response to God's love. We are called to receive His gifts with gratitude and offer them back with generous hearts.
Together, we are becoming a community of disciples making disciples—knowing and loving Jesus and making Him better known.
OPENING PRAYER
Loving Father, we thank You for everything You have given us. As we come to the final week of our C.H.R.I.S.T. discipleship journey, help us understand what it means to Tithe—to recognize that all we have comes from You and to joyfully offer back a portion of our time, talent, and treasure. Open our hearts to become generous people who place You first and trust You with what we have. Help us to love You with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors through generous and sacrificial giving. May our generosity become an expression of our gratitude and a witness to Your love. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading — Exodus 22:20-26: God hears the prayers of the humble and the poor and calls us to respond to those in need with justice and generosity.
Responsorial Psalm — Psalm 18: The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and hears the cry of those who call upon Him.
Second Reading — 1 Thessalonians 1:5c-10: St. Paul reflects on a life faithfully given to Christ and trusts that God will remain with him to the end.
Gospel — Matthew 22:34–40: Jesus teaches that the heart of discipleship is to love God completely and love our neighbor as ourselves.
FATHER'S HOMILY FROM SUNDAY 10/25
QUESTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION AND DIALOG
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When you consider all that God has entrusted to you, what blessings are you especially grateful for?
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What is your first reaction when you hear the word “tithe” or are invited to give financially to the Church?
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How does recognizing that everything you have is ultimately a gift from God change your perspective on money and possessions?
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How does your financial giving support the mission of your parish and allow the Church to serve others?
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What fears, habits, or competing priorities sometimes make it difficult to give generously?
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Is there a practical step you feel called to take—creating a giving plan, giving consistently, reviewing your budget, or gradually increasing your contribution?
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Looking back at all six steps of the C.H.R.I.S.T. Discipleship Path, how can tithing strengthen your commitment to community, holiness, retreat, investing, and sharing your faith?
PRAY
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Pray with gratitude: Thank God for everything He has entrusted to you.
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Pray for generosity: Ask the Holy Spirit to help you recognize and release any fears or attachments that prevent you from giving freely.
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Pray about priorities: Ask God, “Am I giving You my first and best?” and listen for where He may be calling you to grow.
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Pray for those in need: Remember individuals and families experiencing financial hardship, hunger, homelessness, or other challenges.
ACT
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Give intentionally: Review your current giving and prayerfully consider whether it reflects your gratitude to God and your commitment to the Church.
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Begin or strengthen a habit of giving: If you are not currently tithing, consider starting with an amount or percentage that is realistic for your circumstances. If you already give regularly, prayerfully consider whether you are being called to grow in generosity.
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Support a mission: Make a financial contribution to your parish, a parish ministry, or a Catholic organization serving people in need.
INSPIRE
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Share your testimony: If you are comfortable, share how giving has helped you grow in gratitude, trust, or faith.
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Invite someone to give: Encourage a friend or family member to discover a way they can share their gifts with the Church or community.
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Lead by example: Let your generosity quietly demonstrate what it looks like to put God first.
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Teach the next generation: Help children and young people understand giving through age-appropriate conversations and opportunities to contribute.
INTERCESSIONS AND CLOSING PRAYER
Intercessions for the Group: Take some time to pray together for the persons or people on the hearts of your small group members.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Loving Father, Thank You for all the gifts You have entrusted to us. Help us remember that everything we have comes from You. Teach us to give generously, trust in Your goodness, and share our blessings with the Church and those in need.
As we complete our C.H.R.I.S.T. Discipleship Path, may we continue to grow as faithful disciples, recognizing that the gifts we receive are meant to be shared. Open our hearts to the Joy of Giving, and help us discover the blessings that come when we generously offer our time, talents, and resources for Your glory and the good of others. May our lives reflect Your generosity and help others encounter the love of Jesus. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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